National

Abaco Local Govt. Chairman: Tensions are High

ABACO, BAHAMAS – A community leader from Abaco is sounding off on the shantytown issue.

Published

1 year ago

March 28, 2023

Berthony McDermott

ABACO, BAHAMAS – A community leader from Abaco is sounding off on the shantytown issue. Local Government Township Chairman Roscoe Thompson said tensions are high on the island, and he hopes it doesn’t turn political.

As government looks to demolish 555 shantytown structures on New Providence and Abaco, one Abaco resident says tensions are high on the island.

Thompson is questioning where those residents will go once the homes are demolished.

The Office of the Attorney General is asking the supreme court to approve an order to demolish 232 unfinished and completed structures at S.C. Bootle Highway in Abaco.

One-hundred-and-twenty structures on The Farm shantytown near Treasure Cay and the remaining structures in Abaco, the remaining structures are from shantytowns on New Providence.

While Thompson says he wants to see something done, he lacks faith in the justice system and is fearful the matter will become political.

Officials say The Farm shantytown grew by nearly 200 acres since hurricane Dorian.

Thompson says there needs to be a crackdown on those who bring foreigners here on work permits.